Impact of Convulsive Maternal Seizures on Fetus Dynamics

Int J Numer Method Biomed Eng. 2025 Jan;41(1):e3901. doi: 10.1002/cnm.3901.

Abstract

The study findings demonstrate that the amniotic fluid plays an important role in protecting the fetus during convulsive maternal seizures. The amniotic fluid was found to be an effective buffer, significantly reducing the transfer of kinetic energy to the fetus during these events. This highlights the sufficient protection provided by the amniotic fluid in such circumstances. The research was conducted using a model that simulates the complex interactions between a pregnant woman's anatomy, the uterus, and the fetus immersed in amniotic fluid. Key parameters such as speed, acceleration, and Euler angles were captured using sensors and used as input for the computational model in the simulations. The results showed that during an oscillatory movement, which is characteristic of a maternal seizure, the fetus and placenta exhibit variable kinematics relative to the uterus. Despite these variations, the amniotic fluid was found to be a significant protective buffer. The discovery of the protective role of the amniotic fluid during maternal seizures provides valuable insights for obstetricians. It can help in managing patient care during such pregnancy complications, emphasizing the importance of the amniotic fluid in fetal protection.

Keywords: amniotic fluid; fetal protection; fetal stress; fetus; prenatal biomechanics.

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Fluid* / metabolism
  • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Female
  • Fetus* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Pregnancy
  • Seizures* / physiopathology